Last updated: April 28, 2026
The Fish & Wildlife Defense Fund is committed to financial transparency. This page summarizes our tax-exempt status, governance structure, and the policies that govern how donor contributions are used.
The Fish & Wildlife Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a public charity.
Donations to FWDF are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the deductibility of their specific contributions.
Every donation processed through our website receives an automatic tax receipt by email from Every.org, the regulated 501(c)(3) processor that handles our online donations. The receipt includes the donation amount, date, FWDF's name and EIN, and the required IRS language.
If you have not received a receipt or need a duplicate copy, contact us at thefishandwildlifedefensefund@gmail.com.
FWDF directs donor contributions to the following categories of expense:
FWDF does not pay lobbyists. We do not maintain a Political Action Committee. We accept no federal funds and we never charge the people we represent for legal services.
Donations to FWDF are generally not refundable. If you believe a donation was processed in error, please contact us within 30 days at thefishandwildlifedefensefund@gmail.com and we will work in good faith to address the matter.
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, FWDF will file IRS Form 990 (or the appropriate variant) annually with the Internal Revenue Service. Once filed, our Form 990 will be available:
The first Form 990 covering our initial reporting period will be filed within the timeline required by the IRS following the close of our fiscal year.
FWDF will publish audited financial statements as required by Oregon law and as our donor base grows. Until our first independent audit is complete, financial information will be available through our Form 990 and on request.
FWDF is registered with the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section, as required for charitable organizations soliciting donations in Oregon.
Several other states require nonprofits to register before soliciting donations from their residents. FWDF will register in additional states as our solicitation footprint expands. If you are a donor in a state that requires specific disclosure language, that language is reproduced below in Section 9.
FWDF is governed by a Board of Directors. Our directors serve without compensation. We follow standard nonprofit governance practices, including:
Our governing documents are available for inspection on request.
The following disclosures are required by certain states for charitable solicitations. They appear here as a courtesy to donors residing in those states. Inclusion of a state below does not necessarily mean FWDF is currently registered to solicit there; please contact us to confirm registration status in your state.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
A copy of the current financial statement of the Fish & Wildlife Defense Fund is available on request to FWDF or for the cost of postage and copies from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.
INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.
A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005.
Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989 (within North Carolina) or (919) 814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state.
The official registration and financial information of the Fish & Wildlife Defense Fund may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania at 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
A financial statement is available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services upon request.
The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State. Additional financial disclosure information is available by calling 1-800-332-4483.
West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Registration in a state does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation of FWDF by that state.
To request a copy of FWDF's IRS determination letter, audited financial statements (when available), Form 990, conflict-of-interest policy, or governing documents:
Fish & Wildlife Defense Fund
1536 Austin Rd, Roseburg, OR 97471
Email: thefishandwildlifedefensefund@gmail.com